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Pernicious anaemia disclosed by Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis Volume 12, issue 5, Septembre-Octobre 2006

Authors
Service de médecine interne du CHU Le Dantec, BP 10599, Dakar Liberté, Sénégal

Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with several haematological and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune hepatitis. Pernicious anaemia, in our knowledge, has not yet been associated with that infection. We report an observation of icteric Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis disclosing pernicious anaemia in two immunocompetent Senegalese patients, 30 and 44-year-old. The disease was revealed by anaemia and jaundice. Diagnosis of acute Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis was made on basis of high hepatic cytolysis with presence of viral capsid antigen IgM antibodies and absence of A, B, C and cytomegalovirus hepatitis serological markers. Macrocytic and megaloblastic anaemia with fundic atrophic gastritis and presence of intrinsic factors antibodies supported diagnosis of pernicious anaemia. Evolution was favourable under parenteral B12 vitamin treatment. So pernicious anaemia, like some other autoimmune diseases, could be associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.